A Different Man Review

A Brilliant film with a disappointing ending

Aspiring actor Edward Edward (Sebastian Stan) undergoes an experimental surgery that drastically changes his appearance. His decision, however, has unforeseen consequences when he is given the chance to play a character made for him, but another man seems more fit for the part (Adam Pearson).

Credit: A24

A Different Man starts as a stellar piece of storytelling but ends with a little to be desired. I was quite looking forward to this film. It was a film set up for success with spectacular actors and what seemed to be a simple yet effective message. Unfortunately, I felt that that message was lost in its final moments.

First things first I need to applaud this film for its first Half. I loved the visuals of this film. It's spectacularly shot. I enjoyed some of the shot types and camera movements used. Nothing experimental just a few shots that stood out to me as something different or interesting that added to Edwards's emotional state. The cinematography as a whole was wonderful. I loved the way the film looked. Its framing and its colour grading are All Great. Sabastian Stan's performance as Edward throughout the movie is incredible Even when Edward begins to fly off the rails Stan pivots perfectly from a shy, unsure Edward to a crazed, bitter Edward. His performance both pre and post-transformation is outstanding. It was a huge stand-out for me. No surprise.

Credit: A24

The body horror elements were a definite shock to the system but a welcome one. This is probably an obvious statement but it's very gross and gets progressively worse for about what felt like 10-20 minutes. Culminating in a scene that was horrifying and excessive but also if I'm honest was really cool. The effects used to achieve that scene look incredible. It's impossible to look away. It added to this idea that Edward was completely ripping away his former self (no pun intended). It was a unique and honestly warranted way to show Edward shifting into His other persona. Guy.

Adam Pearson shows up much later in the film as a sort of catalyst for all of the fallout that happens in the film's latter half. His performance is also stellar. He is great as Oswald. As sort of self-imposed antagonist to Edward. It's a great addition to the film and Pearson plays his part brilliantly. He is charismatic and funny. His presence is a welcome one.

Credit: A24

Unfortunately, after this, it's in the film's final act that it falls apart for me. Edwards's internal struggle. His identity crisis/need for acceptance soon began to feel like a series of scenes made to show Edwards's insanity and give me second-hand embarrassment. Culminating in a final act that I’m not sure I quite understand and a final scene that left me thinking was that it? Maybe I missed something? Maybe the message was lost on me? I was convinced we were striving for a message of self-discovery. A lesson on not losing yourself in the pursuit of a dream. By the end I’m sort of confused as to why anyone did what they did and I don't think I came away with anything. It didn't feel like Edward learned anything about himself nor did I feel like there was any real resolution to what I just watched. It's almost as if we move on as if the past 20 minutes didn't happen.

In the end, A Different Man has an excellent premise. For the majority of its runtime. An insightful and visually stunning watch. However, it failed to land its punch and left me feeling like I missed something.